Chinese herbal medicine-derived EV-like particles (CHM-EVLP) constitute a natural nanoscale delivery system sourced from medicinal plants listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Exhibiting excellent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, outstanding ability to traverse biological barriers, and synergistic effects from multiple components. They effectively overcome limitations in traditional drug therapies for neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as difficulty in penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the limited efficacy of single-target interventions. This paper systematically reviews the biological characteristics and material basis of CHM-EVLP, confirming its core particle size distribution between 30—150 nm and its composite structure comprising lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and secondary metabolites. It summarises separation and purification techniques—including differential ultracentrifugation, density gradient centrifugation, and ultrafiltration/size exclusion chromatography—alongside multidimensional characterisation methods. It emphasises the core mechanism of CHM-EVLP in preventing and treating NDDs, which involves the synergistic action of four pathways: “inhibiting protein aggregation, regulating neuroinflammation, repairing mitochondria, and protecting neurons”. This approach establishes specific in vivo action pathways for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), while analysing suitable scenarios for oral, intranasal, and injectable administration routes. Concurrently, it identifies current limitations in CHM-EVLP research, including the absence of standardised extraction and purification protocols, incomplete quality control systems, and the need for further validation of in vivo delivery efficiency and long-term safety. Future research directions proposed include establishing standardised preparation workflows, constructing a “combined marker system”, and deepening the validation of key bioactive component-target-effect relationships. This work provides theoretical underpinnings and technical references for the engineered development of CHM-EVLPs and the clinical translation of TCM nanomedicines in NDDs prevention and treatment, highlighting their application value in modernising traditional Chinese medicine.

Chinese herbal medicine-derived EV-like particles (CHM-EVLP)  /  neurodegenerative diseases  /  Alzheimer’s disease  /  Parkinson’s disease  /  nano-delivery systems